Young Girl Killed while Riding Bike in Mille Lacs County

The Minnesota State Patrol says a 7-year-old girl died after she was hit by a vehicle while riding her bike on a Mille Lacs County road.

Authorities say the Milaca girl was biking on County Road 8 about 10:15 p.m. Tuesday when she was hit in the westbound lane.

The State Patrol identifies the girl as Alyssa Grimm. She was taken to North Memorial Medical Center where she later died. The driver of the vehicle that struck her and a passenger were not hurt.

Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office said the driver, 29-year-old Ryan Schipper, told authorities there were three children on bicycles riding on 105th street at the time of the crash. He said the young girl turned in front of his car at the last second.

Jamie Grimm, Alyssa's 20 year old sister-in-law said, "She was very energetic. She would ride the ponies all day and she'd ride the calf around and anything with 4 legs she's get on it. She had fun doing anything. She always rode her bike and she just had a fun spirit."

Jamie said the hardest part is that "she's so young. She didn't get to live her whole life."

Authorities do not believe alcohol was involved. The crash is still under investigation.